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What country created the Order of Honour?

The country of Greece created this award on August 18, 1975. This happened after Greece finished changing from a kingdom to a republic. Because the government changed, the nation needed new symbols and medals to honor its people.

Can New Zealanders receive this award?

Yes, New Zealand citizens can receive this honor. It is given to people who have done great work for Greece in areas like science, business, or the arts. New Zealanders who help build strong friendships between their country and Greece are often the ones chosen for it.

What earlier medal did it replace?

This medal took the place of the older Order of George I. That older medal was tied to the Greek monarchy. When Greece became a republic, they stopped using royal awards and started using the Order of Honour instead.

Whose image is shown on the badge?

The badge shows the face of the ancient Greek goddess named Athena. Athena was known in stories as a goddess of wisdom and war. Her image is a very important symbol for the Greek nation.

Does New Zealand allow its citizens to wear foreign honours?

New Zealand does allow its citizens to wear foreign awards, but there are strict rules to follow. Service members must get official permission to wear them on their uniforms. These medals are always worn after any New Zealand or Commonwealth awards.

What country created the Order of Honour?

The country of Greece created this award on August 18, 1975. This happened after Greece finished changing from a kingdom to a republic. Because the government changed, the nation needed new symbols and medals to honor its people.

Can New Zealanders receive this award?

Yes, New Zealand citizens can receive this honor. It is given to people who have done great work for Greece in areas like science, business, or the arts. New Zealanders who help build strong friendships between their country and Greece are often the ones chosen for it.

What earlier medal did it replace?

This medal took the place of the older Order of George I. That older medal was tied to the Greek monarchy. When Greece became a republic, they stopped using royal awards and started using the Order of Honour instead.

Whose image is shown on the badge?

The badge shows the face of the ancient Greek goddess named Athena. Athena was known in stories as a goddess of wisdom and war. Her image is a very important symbol for the Greek nation.

Does New Zealand allow its citizens to wear foreign honours?

New Zealand does allow its citizens to wear foreign awards, but there are strict rules to follow. Service members must get official permission to wear them on their uniforms. These medals are always worn after any New Zealand or Commonwealth awards.

Home Library New ZealandOrder of Honour (Greece)

Merit decoration

Order of Honour (Greece)

A prestigious Greek order presented to distinguished individuals, including foreign citizens like New Zealanders, for outstanding service.

New Zealand Established 1975 All servicesPrecedence: Worn after New Zealand national honours and Commonwealth awards in accordance with the New Zealand Order of Wear for foreign honours.

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for distinguished services to Greece in public administration, commerce, science, the arts, or international relations.

Eligibility

Greek citizens and distinguished foreign nationals, including New Zealanders, who have rendered outstanding service to Greece.

Branch

All services

Precedence

Worn after New Zealand national honours and Commonwealth awards in accordance with the New Zealand Order of Wear for foreign honours.

Order of Honour (Greece), Merit decoration, New Zealand medal

History

The Order of Honour was created on August 18, 1975, by the government of the Hellenic Republic. After Greece ended its monarchy and established a republic, the nation needed new state honours. This order was introduced to replace the older royal Order of George I.

Over time, the appearance of the medal was changed until a final design was settled in 1984. The insignia features the goddess Athena along with the national motto. Although the law allows for a special military edition with crossed swords for wartime deeds, it is primarily presented as a peacetime honour.

Today, the President of Greece confers the order on both Greek citizens and foreign friends of Greece. New Zealand citizens, including diplomats and military personnel who foster close relationships or commemorate historic ties with Greece, can receive permission to wear it among foreign awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Veterans Who Received This Award

WWII

Victoria Cross and Bar Order of Honour (Greece)

Charles Upham

Who Was Charles Upham, the Only Combat Soldier to Win the Victoria Cross Twice?

Charles Upham was a New Zealand infantry officer who earned the Victoria Cross twice for his extraordinary bravery in Crete and Egypt during World War II.

New ZealanderMay 1941 and July 1942

Read Story

Sources

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